One Summer Chicago Youth ‘Pitch In’ To Clean City Parks

Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District General Superintendent Michael P. Kelly and Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Commissioner Evelyn Diaz today celebrated another successful year of the One Summer Chicago program. City officials visited the more than 2,000 youth cleaning five city parks as part of a culminating service project and back-to-school community cleaning kick off for the City’s One Good Deed Chicago initiative.

“Community volunteers have a long history of helping to revitalize and beautify Chicago neighborhoods, and I commend the youth of One Summer Chicago for their commitment to strengthening our communities through service,” said Mayor Emanuel. “Chicagoans of all ages can follow the lead of these young people to keep our neighborhoods safe, clean and vibrant.”

Led by staff from the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) and DFSS, more than 2,000 young people volunteered to clean up Garfield Park, Jackson Park, Washington Park, Douglas Park and Humboldt Park today. JewelOsco donated snacks, water and clean up resources to support the service event.

“The Park District is committed to providing recreational activities and access to safe and clean parks and open spaces for Chicagoans in every neighborhood across the City,” said Superintendent Kelly. “I am grateful to these young Chicagoans for their service to our parks and challenging all residents to team up and help clean their neighborhoods for back-to-school.”

Through the One Good Deed Chicago service initiative, the City binds the culture of service and philanthropy in the City of Chicago under the leadership of the Chief Service Officer, made possible by the Cities of Service Leadership Grant awarded to the City. The initiative constantly seeks to expand service learning opportunities and engage more volunteers in efforts to effectively support at-risk youth and enhance economic recovery for all Chicagoans.

“The 2014 One Summer Chicago program has been a tremendous success, and I am excited to honor these young people for their hard work all summer,” said Commissioner Diaz. “By mobilizing these young people in service to their community, I am confident they are establishing a meaningful commitment to service to our city and will continue to volunteer in their neighborhoods for years to come.”

Mayor Emanuel and DSS are preparing a citywide ‘Pitch In’ day of service in late August to help prepare neighborhoods for back-to-school. Details on the City-wide day of service are forthcoming.